Innsbruck is one of Europe’s must-see alpine cities. Many go there specifically for its winter sports, but there’s also a charming and beautiful medieval old town, several noteworthy museums, beautiful scenery, and impressive parks.

Porto is a beautiful, vibrant city that stretches out along the scenic Douro River. In spite of it being Portugal’s second largest city, it still maintains a small-town charm that’s hard not to love. It’s also rich in history, packed full of parks and green spaces, and close to idyllic beaches.

San Sebastian, in the heart of Basque Country, is famous for its thriving nightlife and culinary prowess. But a few days in this beautiful coastal city will reveal that there’s a lot more to it than its hedonistic attractions. Stunning urban beaches blend effortlessly with an intriguing old town and it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Munich, the capital city of Bavaria, is the third largest city in Germany by population. In fact, there are 1.4 million people who live within the Munich city limits, and 2.6 million in the outlying suburbs. Yet with all these people, and all the things to do in Munich, the city manages to maintain a small town feel that’s utterly captivating.

Granada sits in the foothills of the grand Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s widely known as the location of dramatic Moorish architecture. Although the Alhambra may be the focal point of this bustling Andalucían city, there’s a wealth of things to do in Granada to keep you busy.

Budapest used to be Europe’s sleeping giant, at least as far as tourism goes. It flew just below the mainstream radar, but left those lucky enough to stumble across it in awe of its beauty and energy. These days more and more travelers are adding this central European city to their itineraries.

Kraków is Poland’s second largest city, and it’s a scenic and historic jewel in the crown of this captivating country. The city is set on the banks of the Wisla river and at the foot of the Carpathian mountains, and although natural beauty is never far away, the true charm of Krakow lies in its vibrant and youthful population, mythical atmosphere, fascinating architecture, and somber yet important role in history.

Even if you’ve never been to Paris, you’ll feel instantly at home in your new surroundings. You’ll recognise famous landmarks, walk the streets with a spring in your step, and lose yourself in the bustling street cafés, extravagant boutiques, and vast museums. There’s definitely no shortage of things to do in Paris.

Rome is one of the world’s most recognisable cities, but that doesn’t mean it won’t surprise and overwhelm you from the moment you arrive. You may think you’ve seen it all in the movies and in your high school history class. But nothing can quite replicate the feeling of awe you’ll have standing at the foot of an ancient Roman monument that you never thought you’d see in real life.

Vienna has an infectious stately presence that’s hard to ignore. It has an appealing mix of old and new, and the city is now more diverse than ever. With all the things to do in Vienna, even a few days will leave you inspired and rejuvenated.

In recent years, travelers and residents have touted Berlin as the big European city of the moment. Not in terms of size, necessarily, but in terms of presence. Unlike many popular European cities, there aren’t a lot of “must” things to do in Berlin. Rather, the secret to getting the most out of this inspiring capital city is not to look for the popular sights, but to immerse yourself in the energy, creativity, and gritty originality that has won Berlin fans the world over.

Bratislava in Slovakia is another beautiful European capital set on the spectacular Danube. Despite its constant expansion, there’s an enthralling small-town atmosphere and several things to do in Bratislava. Winding streets, medieval architecture, a castle set on a hill overlooking the city, and a variety of historic buildings make a visit to this city a thoroughly rewarding experience.

Ljubljana is one of the continent’s most relaxing and liveable cities. With a car-free city center, a tranquil tree and café-lined river, beautiful architecture, thriving nightlife and carefully manicured parks and gardens, it’s no surprise that Slovenia’s capital city has become one of Europe’s must-visit destinations.

You may feel the urge to visit Bruges because of that famous movie, or because of its acclaimed beer and Gothic architecture. Or it may just happen to be on the way to your next European rail destination. Whatever the reason, though, a stop in this charming little city in Belgium is a magical experience.

Despite often being overshadowed by its coastal neighbors down south, Croatia’s capital city Zagreb has its own charm. This vibrant medieval city has architecture, history, and museums that will appeal to a wide range of visitors. In many ways it’s reminiscent of other Central European capitals such as Budapest, Prague, and Vienna. But there’s a uniqueness in the things to do in Zagreb that makes any visit here enthralling, whether you’re in town for a few days, or just passing through on your way to the coast.

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, and it’s one of the most popular destinations for tourists exploring Europe. This “city of a hundred spires” sits on the picturesque Vltava River, and much of its appeal lies in the medieval architecture – the sight of beautiful bridges, cathedrals, castles and buildings will live with you for many years to come. But when you consider all the things to do in Prague, on top of its sheer architectural beauty, it’s a fairly obvious choice to include it on your next Eurail trip

Salzburg has all the ingredients for the perfect fairytale city – carefully manicured gardens, a fascinating labyrinth of streets in a charming old town, a fast-flowing snow-fed river, and of course, a classic castle on the hill set against a backdrop of the most pristine forested mountains.